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Custom tire valve extensions
I seem to recall reading somewhere on this forum about a fellow in SoCal who makes custom fitted tire valve extensions. Does anyone know anything about this resource? I did search this forum for tire valve extensions but found no threads about the subject.

We just suffered a blow out of the left rear inner dual. When I go for a new set of tires, I would like to have the shop replace my leaky stems with a nice set that extend through the wheel hole, and are a single stem, not two screwed together to make the same length.

Thank you in advance for your responses.
2017 RB
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #2 –
Borg Equipment and Supplies

Contact Us

I drove up to them and picked up my extensions just after getting my '15 RB from the Mothership. I had them installed at Allen Tire in Long Beach. $60 to install. Have served me very well as they have for many others here at LDO.

Kent

2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #3 –
Great!  Thank you all!
2017 RB
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #4 –
Point Of Order. They are not extensions. They are long valve stems. One piece. Extensions leak.
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #5 –
Good point, Don, and don't I know it!!!  Th y are terrible.
2017 RB
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #6 –
Hi folks,

I just had two of my stainless mesh extensions (that I believe were original) fail after my tire installer put on new tires.  I suspect this was largely operator error, but then, they are 16 years old.  Anywho.

I was planning to get some of the borg dually tire valves and while I was on their website I saw the note:  your installer will have difficulty balancing the tires.  Makes sense given their weight, now that I think about it.

So can the collective wisdom from folks that have these on their tires clue me in as to what a tire shop is supposed to do when asked to use these valve stems?  Are there instructions I need to give them regarding balancing?

Not my area of specialty, so I welcome any insights and assistance.

Thanks,

S-
Steven & Carol Crisp -- 2000 26.5' Blue Mid-Bath named Thistle Dew Too
Our RV Motto:  "No place to be ... and all day to get there"
2024 Adventure: The Great Eclipse Escapade!  HI(Air),NV,AZ,NM,Mason,TX(Totality!) ...
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #7 –
News to me
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #8 –
I have had Tireman valves on all 6 tires from the get-go (13 years; new rear valves a year ago because the mechanic broke the tip off one of the original valves); I have not been aware of any problems balancing any of the wheels, and neither have I noticed any tire wear, front or rear duals, that would indicate that the wheels were not balanced correctly.

Perhaps others have had different experiences?

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #9 –
I have, like you, used those braided SS covered screw-on extensions on the duallies of 4 trucks since the 80's They do need replacing as the "O" rings get old and fail. But so far, I have been lucky, only one set of leakers that I promptly removed.

I noted the failure on my every morning tire pressure check, and I removed them. I had to resort to using long neck tire gauges and air chucks to manage tire pressure. Not too difficult. Replaced the set later on.

Consider that those tires are balanced with the stock shorty stems, then we add the weight of extensions to each tire. If properly mounted on the axle, the stems on both tires on each side are offset 180° from each other, achieving a crude balance. But none of the four rear tires individually can be in balance.

I don't see why a tire with a Tireman type stem cannot be balanced. But I wait for the rest of the replies from those who have experience with them.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #10 –
Thanks for the feedback so far.  Maybe this is much ado about nothing.

Here is the web-page I am looking at for what I think would be my vehicle (2000 Mid-Bath LD):

DL1E Brass Duallvalve Kit

Here is the specific comment I was referring to (upon closer review, they are talking only about the inner tires):

Quote
Balancing
Having Duallyvalves makes it difficult for the tire shop to balance your inner tires on a standard machine due to the long inner valve stem. Duallyvalve is compatible with internal Balancing Compounds.

Again, perhaps this is not really an issue.  Putting it out there again in case anyone on this board who uses these valve stems has run into this before.  Anybody using the balancing compound they refer to?  Just trying to be sure what to tell my installer.

Thanks,

S-
Steven & Carol Crisp -- 2000 26.5' Blue Mid-Bath named Thistle Dew Too
Our RV Motto:  "No place to be ... and all day to get there"
2024 Adventure: The Great Eclipse Escapade!  HI(Air),NV,AZ,NM,Mason,TX(Totality!) ...
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #11 –
Steve,
In my past i have seen self balancing attachments for Semi trucks.  They look like flex plate with a tube in place of the ring gear.  I think the tube is filled with "Balancing compound."  They mount on the lug bolts.  But not being in the trucking industry i could be all wet.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #12 –
The use of internal tire balancing compounds to achieve balance on truck tires, including duallies is interesting, but I have never tried it.

I would be surprised if Larry doesn't have experience with this

Michelin has a bulletin that does not condemn these compounds with some provisions.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #14 –
I believe that this is the Michelin bulletin referred to in Paul's post:

https://www.michelinb2b.com/wps/b2bcontent/PDF/TB_BalancingMaterials.pdf

The date of the bulletin is 2012; one would think that the information is still current since Michelin doesn't seem to have published an update, but I don't know this. The "moisture inside the tire" caveat is one reason that airing tires with nitrogen is advocated by some. (Finding nitrogen fill stations that provide moisture-free "air" may be a problem, however.)

As ever, YMMV.

Joan

 
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #15 –
Steve,
I installed the longer stems by from the Tire Man after a o-ring failed on the original factory extension that came with my LD.  They are much like the Borg and other long stems.  No issue with balance.  When you think about if your using either valve extensions or long valves the issue and even the mass is about the same relative to the wheel and tire combo.  If anything the simpler device (long valves) should weigh less and that weight should be more fixed in place as compared to mesh extensions; that should make balancing the wheel tire combo easier as compared to other types of valves.
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #16 –
I have never heard of anyone not being able to balance their LD's tires, once extended valve stems have been installed.
Our several sets of tires have always been balanced on a high-speed balancer, with no problems, even with the added weight of the TPMS sensors.
The amount of extra weight is small, compared to the weight of the wheels and tire. The stems are mounted inboard, close to the center of the tire, where the centrifugal force is minimized.
If an RV tire cannot be balanced successfully, there is a problem with the tire or rim that needs addressing.

There are all sorts of 'balancing' methods that have ball bearings, plastic pellets, powders or viscous liquids injected into the tires.
Since I have never had a balancing issue that couldn't be cure the conventional way, I have little knowledge of these unusual methods. I read where so some off-roaders, with super-sized tires, use liquids or pellets.
Our LD's tires and wheels are not so big or heavy that conventional balancing machines cannot balance them, actually, they are very light compared to larger trucks. Tires can have construction problems that can effect the ride, such as excess weight in a spot or being slightly out of round. In these more extreme cases, shaving the tire or using a Road Force balancer may be needed to achieve the smoothest ride possible. This usually is more of an issue with passenger cars.
I have never run across any technical articles dealing with balancing beads and liquids, instead only advertisments, and have considered them to be another form of snake oil.  Searching Google, I see no recognizable manufacturers of the beads and liquids, nor have I seen them used at major tire dealers, such as Tire Rack or Discount Tire.
Guess that makes me a sceptic.

I ran braided SS hoses on our 1983 LD and on our 2003's first set of tires. Never had a problem but I did check them often.
TIP- Slip short pieces of clear, plastic tubing over the hoses, where they pass through the wheel covers, to prevent rubbing.

Once you to install extended brass stems, you will never want to go back to hoses.
Larry


Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #17 –
Quote from: Larry Wade  - 
I have never heard of anyone not being able to balance their LD's tires, once extended valve stems have been installed.

Thanks Larry, and others, for your speedy replies.  It sounds like there is nothing to see here ... keep moving along ;-)

I will order a set of these and get them installed to replace the braided extensions.  And get the tires balanced too ;-)

Appreciate all of the inputs.  Great to have the collective wisdom of the LD community.

S-
Steven & Carol Crisp -- 2000 26.5' Blue Mid-Bath named Thistle Dew Too
Our RV Motto:  "No place to be ... and all day to get there"
2024 Adventure: The Great Eclipse Escapade!  HI(Air),NV,AZ,NM,Mason,TX(Totality!) ...
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #18 –
"Once you to install extended brass stems, you will never want to go back to hoses."
----
JMHO, but I can't see any reason for using valve extension hoses; for ease and convenience of checking and airing the tires, no leak performance, and longevity (if installed correctly), the long valve stems are a must have. 

I had two sets of valve extender hoses on a previous RV (before long valves were available for "small" RVs); these were a constant source of frustration and hassle because there was no way they could be attached/seated (on the particular wheel) without twisting and leaking air.  At the time, I had no space to carry a compressor, so finding air stations or tire shops was a way-too-frequent occurrence on every trip! I finally ditched the things in a major "fit of pique" at a tire shop somewhere in Wyoming; it was a big hassle to check and air the inside dual afterwards, but at least the valves didn't leak and I wasn't stopping in every little town to find an air hose!

I had the first set of long/configured valves installed almost immediately after delivery of the LD and have never regretted the choice. But, as ever, YMMV.  ;)

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #19 –
We have used the Borg extensions since 2008. There have been two sets of tires using those same stems. No one ever said anything about problems balancing the tires.

However, this past May we replaced the tires again and during that process the folks handling that found gouges on both valves nearly worn through due to the prior shop not taking care to center the stems through the opening in the rim.  I know that Andy had the same thing happen before we found our problem and he posted photos here.

Be sure they don't leave them close to the edge of the opening in the rim and that they use the grommets that come with them to stabilize them.

Jim
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #20 –
One of the first things I did immediately after taking delivery of my 2004 30'IB was to stop in Ridgecrest to have the Tire Man install his stems. Now, some 12 years and four sets of tires later those original Tire Man stems are still in use without issue.   ;D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #21 –
I'm guessing the tire stem maker is just making some proactive effort to avoid claims about balancing.

I don't understand why beads inside tires are a good idea. I would stick to normal high speed balance methods.

I am resolved to buy some nice ong tire stems and have them in the rig for the next time I have the tires off.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #22 –
Quote from: Lazy Bones  - 
One of the first things I did immediately after taking delivery of my 2004 30'IB was to stop in Ridgecrest to have the Tire Man install his stems. Now, some 12 years and four sets of tires later those original Tire Man stems are still in use without issue.   ;D

I checked out Tireman's site as well, and saw he offers installation.   But no mention of the price.  Anyone know what the going rate is?  I could do it here (in NH) or wait until I get to his location (long way).

Thanks in advance,

S-
Steven & Carol Crisp -- 2000 26.5' Blue Mid-Bath named Thistle Dew Too
Our RV Motto:  "No place to be ... and all day to get there"
2024 Adventure: The Great Eclipse Escapade!  HI(Air),NV,AZ,NM,Mason,TX(Totality!) ...
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #23 –
Quote from: Jim & Gayle  - 
However, this past May we replaced the tires again and during that process the folks handling that found gouges on both valves nearly worn through due to the prior shop not taking care to center the stems through the opening in the rim.  I know that Andy had the same thing happen before we found our problem and he posted photos here.

Be sure they don't leave them close to the edge of the opening in the rim and that they use the grommets that come with them to stabilize them.

Jim, that's a great tip, and I will pass it on to whomever installs my long stem valves.

Hey, is that anything like long-stem roses?   Will I get any Valentine's Day credit with DW?   :P

S-
Steven & Carol Crisp -- 2000 26.5' Blue Mid-Bath named Thistle Dew Too
Our RV Motto:  "No place to be ... and all day to get there"
2024 Adventure: The Great Eclipse Escapade!  HI(Air),NV,AZ,NM,Mason,TX(Totality!) ...
Re: Custom tire valve extensions
Reply #24 –
Quote from: Steve and Carol Crisp  - 
I checked out Tireman's site as well, and saw he offers installation.  But no mention of the price.  Anyone know what the going rate is?  I could do it here (in NH) or wait until I get to his location (long way).

Thanks in advance,

S-

Steve,

I had Borg Long Stems installed shortly after I picked up our '15 RB. I live in So Cal so very near Borg Manufacturing in Pasadena, Ca.

Cost for the four stems was around $160 if I remember correctly. They recommended Allen Tire near my home. The Tire Man is way far from home for me and I believe he uses Borge stems as well.

The cost of installation at Allens Tire was $60. Far less than the time and fuel needed to drive to the Tire Man.

I have had them on the rig for over a year without issue. They sure make tire inflation a breeze. Well worth every penny.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"